TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, October 20, 2024
(Isaiah
53:10-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45)
Today's
Gospel follows the style of the last two Sundays. Jesus takes his disciples
aside to give them a teaching on morality. Two weeks ago, he spoke about
divorce and the injustice it entails. Last Sunday, he dealt with how the love
of money can cause the loss of the soul. Now he focuses on the root of all sin,
pride, or if you prefer, arrogance or selfishness. Being his disciples too, we
should pay attention to his words so as not to fall in love with ourselves and
distance ourselves from God.
The reading
begins with an embarrassing story. As if they were caught with their hands in
the collection, the brothers James and John are portrayed asking Jesus for the
highest positions in his kingdom. They want to be great before the world, even
though Scripture warns us about the danger of pride. According to one moralist,
in the Bible it is not the great and proud who matter to God. Rather, they are
destined to fall.
But let us
not be too harsh on those infected with pride. After all, most of us have
thought of ourselves as better than we really are. Who among us has not argued for
a higher grade than the one our teacher gave us? Who has not shared a “selfie” that
enhances our appearance on social networks such as Facebook or Instagram?
God’s
response to our pride could be severe, but it is not. Rather, he treats us with
understanding. In the gospel, Jesus asks James and John if they can endure the
test he will face. They, without fully understanding what he has in mind,
answer “we can.” Jesus confirms their answer. Knowing that they will receive
the Holy Spirit as support, Jesus allows them to feel his love.
Next, Jesus
denounces the rulers of the world for having abused their power. You do not
need to be an expert in the Bible to understand this criticism. We have all
encountered corrupt public officials. Jesus also accuses religious leaders of
oppressing simple followers. He insists
that the leaders of his church should not act in such ways. He sets himself up
as a model. He will give his life to redeem sinners destined for oblivion. His
words resonate with the first reading where the prophet Isaiah speaks of the
Suffering Servant of the Lord who “through his suffering … will justify many and
their guilt he shall bear.” This is the
mission of Jesus who is about “’to give his life as a ransom for many.’”
This gospel
is particularly pertinent today for two reasons, one secular and one religious.
Soon the United States including Puerto Rico will be voting for new public
officials. The Church invites the community to pray for the those who are
elected. They will be daily tempted to
take advantage of their offices for their own benefit. Giving into the
temptation, they will not only deny justice to the people but will also
endanger their own souls.
Pope St.
Gregory the Great, in the seventh century, described himself as “servant of the
servants of God.” Every pope since then has borne this title, though not all
have acted like it. Certainly, Pope Francis has been exemplary in service. He
is right now implementing a program of accompaniment by the hierarchy with the
people known as “synodality.” With God’s favor, this program will open space
for listening by Church leadership to the concerns and recommendations of the
laity.
The year of
reading the Gospel of St. Mark well end soon. We still have much to learn from
it about discipleship. We want to be like Jesus so that at the end of our life on
earth he will recognize us as his own.
